Convective Boundary Layer Depth Estimation From S-Band Dual-Polarization Radar

This study investigates Bragg scatter signatures in dual-polarization radar observations, which are defined by low differential reflectivity (ZDR) values, as a proxy for convective boundary layer (CBL) depth. Using data from the Twin Lakes, OK (KTLX) WSR-88D, local minima in quasi-vertical profiles of ZDR are found to provide a reasonable estimate of CBL depth when compared with depth estimates from upper air soundings at Norman, OK (KOUN) during 2014. The 243 ZDR Bragg scatter and upper air sounding CBL depth estimates have a correlation of 0.90 and a RMSE of 254 meters. Using Bragg scatter as a proxy for CBL depth was expanded to other seasons and locations and has performed well in Wilmington, OH, Fairbanks, AK, Tucson, AZ, Minneapolis, MN, Albany, NY, Portland, OR, and Tampa, FL, showing its potential usefulness in monitoring CBL depth throughout the year in a variety of geographic locations and meteorological conditions.